2025 Good Samaritans of the Year Announced

Mark and Judy Lancaster have been named the recipients of Frederick Health’s Good Samaritan of the Year award for their outstanding leadership, volunteerism and community service. Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster received the award on May 21 at the hospital’s annual recognition event attended by hospital benefactors and guests. First presented in 1991, the Good Samaritan of the Year award is the hospital’s most prestigious honor, recognizing individuals whose lives have demonstrated actions or achievements that have substantially advanced the quality of life in Frederick County.

Mr. Lancaster worked his way through college by remodeling and renovating homes and quickly developed a passion for homebuilding. He founded Lancaster Craftsmen Builders in 1979, an award-winning custom home design and construction company serving Frederick and Washington Counties. Mrs. Lancaster serves as the company’s chief financial officer, overseeing essential operations in addition to coordinating settlements and assisting with product development and interior designs.

Mark & Judy Lancaster accepting their Good Samaritan of the Year Award

In addition to running a successful business, Mr. Lancaster actively served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Beyond Shelter, Interfaith Housing, and Rebuilding Together Frederick—using his experience to support efforts that provide safe, affordable housing to our most vulnerable neighbors—those with limited financial means, elderly individuals, people living with disabilities, and others facing housing insecurity. He is also the originator and past president of the Frederick County Housing Trust, an organization that assists families in need each year by providing upgraded or new housing through contributions of cash, materials, and volunteer labor. In addition, he founded the Western Maryland Remodelers Council as a division of the Frederick County Building Industry Association in 1987, serving as president of the council and holding several other offices from 1992 to the present.

Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster lend their professional expertise to greater good, and the same skills and knowledge that have made them respected leaders in the building industry are generously shared to serve those most in need.

Together, they’re currently leading the efforts to transform the Spring Bank Farm in North Frederick into a collaborative, nonprofit center dedicated to serving seniors in our community. The Spring Bank Senior Resource Center will offer below-market rent to nonprofits serving older adults, providing space for educational seminars, small events, and meetings, along with shared access to volunteers and resources. The Center will serve as a one-stop hub connecting seniors and caregivers with services, guidance, and support—and will also provide a centralized location for free medical equipment through a partnership with Frederick Health. Mr. Lancaster developed the vision, spearheaded the fundraising, and will oversee the renovation project from start to finish and has engaged several other businesses in the building community to help bring this project to fruition. Mrs. Lancaster is handling all the business aspects of the project. The Center will break ground this fall for the necessary renovations with a targeted opening in the fall of 2026.

Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster have both been long-time supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, an organization committed to serving youth in disadvantaged circumstances. He served as Chair, and under his leadership, its signature event—Tour de Frederick—blossomed into one of the most successful fundraisers in the area. Mrs. Lancaster was just as integral—serving as full-time treasurer and volunteer for Tour de Frederick for many years.

Their impact with the Boys & Girls Club didn’t stop with events. Mr. Lancaster drove a partnership between the Boys & Girls Club and Frederick County Public Schools that led to the creation of the Club’s Madison Street location. Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster led the charge together—fundraising, designing, and overseeing construction. Today, the club includes classrooms, an art studio, and a STEM room, and serves as a vibrant after-school center for elementary-age children who otherwise might not have access to such resources.

Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster were also instrumental in the founding of SOAR, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting older adults through resources. Mrs. Lancaster serves as President of the Board, bringing her energy, passion, and attention to detail that has fueled countless successful initiatives and growth of the organization.

Mrs. Lancaster served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, where she chaired its “Dancing Stars” fundraiser for six years. Over the years, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars—supporting critical research, services for families, and programs like support groups, a 24-hour Helpline, and care consultations.

Mr. Lancaster is an active member and past president of the Rotary Club of Frederick. During his presidency, which fell during the start of the COVID pandemic, he initiated and coordinated a grocery delivery program for local seniors. Today, the program is still going strong and has grown beyond food delivery. Most recently, Mr. Lancaster was his Club’s leader working with the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek to construct the Clubs’ joint Sailing Through the Winter Solstice boat, “The Yellow Rotary Submarine,” with proceeds benefitting the proposed Splash Pad in Baker Park.

Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster are also dedicated supporters of the arts. Mr. Lancaster serves on the Board of Directors for the Frederick Arts Council, chairing the building committee and working with the arts community to secure performance spaces and public art throughout the region. Both are active members of the Tivoli Society of the Weinberg Center for the Arts.

Mrs. Lancaster serves on the Board of Directors for the Weinberg, where she helped lead several transformative upgrades to the historic venue that benefit both performers and patrons alike. including the new marquee on West Patrick Street, the bar renovations, and the updates to the green room. In addition to their community involvement and volunteer efforts, Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster are also generous philanthropists and support many local nonprofit organizations, including Frederick Health.